The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), through its Public Investment Management Directorate (PIMD), hosted a consultative workshop with key stakeholders from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the Foreign Service Academy in Freetown.

The workshop focused on reviewing the National Public Investment Management Policy, with a particular emphasis on integrating climate resilience and gender mainstreaming into the Public Investment Programme.

This review follows the recommendations of a Climate-Public Investment Management Assessment (C-PIMA), conducted in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The revised policy aims to improve coordination, clarify the roles of public investment actors, and align national projects with both environmental and international financial standards.

Director of Public Investment Management, Alpha K. Bangura, opened the workshop by outlining the objectives of the policy review. “The motive behind this review is to strengthen the coordination of development projects nationwide,” he explained. “We’ve held extensive consultations with the IMF, local communities, and key stakeholders, ensuring that this revision addresses climate-resilient actions and gender-inclusive investment programs.”

Director Bangura emphasized the significance of the policy in enhancing the implementation of the National Development Plan. He added, “This review will foster stronger coordination between public investment actors and improve the sustainability of projects.”

Deputy Development Secretary, Usman Cherry Conteh, also highlighted the policy’s alignment with Sierra Leone’s administrative agenda, particularly the government’s 30% gender representation in decision-making. “This consultation provides women the opportunity to actively participate in decision-making and project coordination, ensuring their voices are included at every level,” he stated.

Mr. Conteh also noted that the revised policy would strengthen capital discipline, improve fiscal planning, and ensure efficient use of limited resources to benefit all Sierra Leoneans.
The National Public Investment Management Policy was initially approved by Cabinet in September 2021. Based on the findings of the recent C-PIMA assessment, the revised policy aims to further integrate climate actions and gender mainstreaming into public investments. It is also a key requirement under the World Bank’s Development Policy Operations, serving as a budget support trigger.

The Public Investment Management Directorate, established in 2013, has been responsible for overseeing and coordinating government-sponsored projects, such as energy, road construction, and water initiatives, ensuring they align with the National Development Plan.

Consultant Wilbourne Showers, in his presentation, provided an overview of the draft revised policy, stressing its scope and importance. He elaborated on the key areas of the revision and the importance of adapting the policy to meet emerging challenges, particularly in climate resilience and gender inclusion.

The ongoing consultation is part of a broader national effort to enhance sustainable development, empower local councils, and ensure that public investments contribute to Sierra Leone’s long-term climate and development goals.